When you hear the name Portland, what comes to mind? Perhaps the first thing that comes to mind is the eclectic vibe of Portland, Oregon, the home of hipsters. But there is another Portland that is hidden secret, Portland, Maine. Located on the beautiful coast of Maine, Portland is a charming city nestled on a peninsula in the Casco Bay.

No matter where you’re coming from, getting to Portland is possible. The city is home to one of New England’s fastest growing airports, Portland International Jetport (PWM). The airport has more than a handful of non-stop flights from major cities in the US, as well as connections to flights abroad. Click here (https://www.whatscheaper.com/flight.php) book your flight using WhatsCheaper.com’s flight finder. WhatsCheaper.com can also help you pick from a variety of lodging options ranging from bed and breakfasts to charming hotels and vacation rentals. Click here (https://www.whatscheaper.com/hotel.php) to begin searching for your accommodation.

Portland has the perfect combination of outdoor activities and urban relaxation. The best way to experience Portland is by deciding how you went to spend your vacation; relaxing and enjoying a stress free trip or jumping into the excitement of recreation. If you decide to go with the latter, then you’ll want to visit the Amusement Parks. The Greater Portland area is home to Funtown Splashtown U.S.A., Monkey Trunks Extreme, and Palace Playland. Each amusement park offers a lot of fun for families looking to experience an adrenaline rush and take some great family photos.

Tourists that enjoy the maturity and sophistication of wine will enjoy visiting the local microbreweries and wineries. Shipyard Brewing Co is one of the premiere breweries in the area and it’s nestled right on the lovely waterfront. Stop by the brewery to learn about over 20 years of history and enjoy free video tours, as well as free tastings of handcrafted beers. If you’re a wine/beer aficionado, then you’ll also want to visit New England Distilling and Maine Mead Works.

Looking for a different viewpoint of the beautiful coast? Then check out the huge selection of cruises and tours offered by various companies in Portland. But of course, you can also take a stroll through the city by yourself and create your own little excursion. Along your journey you’ll want to stop by the Victoria Mansion, the Maine Historical Society, and the Wiscasset, Waterville, & Farmington Railway Museum. Each of those points of interests offers some great history on the city of Portland and the surrounding areas.

Music enthusiasts should pay close attention to Friends of The Kotzschmar Organ. It’s the oldest working organ in the United Sates and it’s located in Portland, Maine. If you plan your visit accordingly you can select from a variety of concerts to attend. But don’t forget to pay close attention to the other arts and entertainments hotspots in Portland. Some key spots to visit are Portland Museum of Art, Portland Ovations, Portland Stage, and the Portland Symphony Orchestra. If you’re visiting in the summer, then you can check out the Portland Performing Arts Festival and enjoy a handful of art, music, and cultural expression.

From wine, art, history, music, and beautiful views, the city of Portland has a lot to offer. WhatsCheaper.com recommends your plan out your next trip and visit Portland, Maine for a charming New England experience.

MUST SEE IN Portland, ME LIST:

1. Old Port

2. Commercial Street

3. Wadsworth-Longfellow House

4. East End Beach

5. Portland Observatory

6. Tate House Museum

7. Portland Museum of Art

8. Fort Gorges

9. Back Cove Trail

10. Portland Sea Dogs

Portland, ME EVENT CALENDAR:

1. Maine Jewish Film Festival - March

2. Festival of the Book - March/April

3. Maine Comics Arts Festival - May

4. Portland Performing Arts Festival - June

5. Annual Old Port Festival - June

6. Portland LobsterFest - June

7. Farmer's Market - June/July/August

8. Festival of Nations - July

9. Full Moon Ghost Tour - August

10. Maine Brewers Festival - November

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Hilton Garden Inn Portland, ME65 Commercial Street, Portland, ME

By Mario Gutierrez

Located in the Historic Old Port District, the Hilton Garden Downtown Waterfront offers convenient and picturesque accommodations in Portland, Maine. A courtesy bus is available to shuttle guests from the Portland International Airport, a quick 10 minute ride near the hotel. The Hilton Garden Downtown Waterfront l is also centrally located only steps away from fine dining, elegant shopping and art museums that populate this thriving Casco Bay region. Valet parking is available in a secure, covered lot with in and out privileges to explore the beautiful capital city of Maine and its surroundings. Guests are invited to check in after 4 p.m.

At the Hilton Garden Downtown Waterfront, guests have a choice of king or double queen Garden Sleep System beds in standard rooms; there is also an option of larger executive rooms and water view corner suites, both with more living space and upgraded amenities like larger beds and bathrooms. All rooms contain 37 inch flat screen HDTVs, access to Wi-Fi with no fee, microwaves and refrigerators.

Guests can enjoy the heated indoor pool any time of year until 11 p.m. A fitness room is available to meet your exercise needs. The Hilton Garden Downtown Waterfront showcases a well-equipped business center along with printing services at no charge, meeting rooms and a/v rental all available for your professional needs. If you do not feel like visiting one of Portland’s other fine restaurant choices, room service is available from the hotel’s Great American Grill restaurant. The Pantry Market, for late night snacks or early morning treats, is open 24 hours for your convenience.

With a 12 p.m. checkout time, the Hilton Garden Downtown Waterfront may be hard to leave, but you have to get there first. That is the easy part, book a room on WhatsCheaper.com and let the fun and travel begin (https://www.whatscheaper.com/hotel.php).

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Holiday Inn Portland By the Bay88 Spring Street, Portland, ME

By D. Gregory Perrin

Welcome to the Holiday Inn® Portland By the Bay. This hotel is located right in the heart of Portland on Spring Street. There are 239 guestrooms in the hotel with several suites in addition. Guests of the hotel can start check-in at 4 p.m. or after on the day they arrive into the city. The hotel has porters available to help guests with their bags if they need it.

The rooms of the hotel come with either one king size or two double size beds. Executive rooms are also available and are perfect for business travelers. If extra bedding is needed, the hotel offers rollaway cots for only 6 dollars per night. The hotel has a color television with cable package, including a pay per view movie options and in-room video games. The Holiday Inn® has great features in the room for food and beverages. There is a microwave, mini refrigerator and coffee maker for guests’ enjoyment.

There are some great amenities at the Holiday Inn® Portland By the Bay. The hotel has its own indoor pool for swimming and relaxing. There is a business center for travelers who are on work, which includes printing, copying, faxing and other great services. Guests who are looking for fun activities can take advantage of the concierge service.

Guests of the hotel can wake up on their own each morning or use the wakeup call service through the hotel. No need to rush as check-out time lasts all morning until 12 p.m. on the day of your departure. The hotel makes check-out a breeze by offering video check-out so you can do it from the comfort of your guestroom. WhatsCheaper.com knows you will just love the Holiday Inn® Portland By the Bay hotel. We can assist with booking your hotel by clicking this link (https://www.whatscheaper.com/hotel.php) to start your search for great pricing.